Don passed away Monday, November 16, 2020 at Borgess Medical Center in Kalamazoo.
He was born March 4, 1937, in McGuffey, Ohio, the son of George and Virginia (Sturgell) Sparks. As a young boy Don moved to Michigan and attended school in Martin. After school he worked in the fields with his family, he also worked at Rockwell International then at Otsego Public Schools until his retirement in 1999.
Don loved to play cards and enjoyed traveling, taking bus trips to the casino, bowling, golfing and watching westerns. On March 31, 1956 at the Otsego United Methodist Church he married Sandra (Knight) who passed away in 1994.
Surviving are his children, Greg (Gail Badalamente) Sparks, Don (Diane) Sparks, Kevin (Kathy) Sparks, Brian (Kim) Sparks and Lori Sparks; daughter-in-law, LouAnn Sparks; 20 grandchildren, Andrea (Joe) Brinkhuis, Lee (Erin) Sparks, Lindsey (AJ) Meyers, Brandon (Elyse) Sparks, Dennis (Chrissy) Vyletel, Ben (Faith) Forcier, Brady (Heather) Forcier, Tucker (Rachel) Konecny, Jackie Sparks, Faith Sparks, Ka’lee Sparks, Trevor Sparks, Randi Morrison, Autumn Morrison, Nathan Morrison, Dakota Morrison, Joseph Morrison, Indiana Morrison, Joshua Morrison, and Michael Morrison; 7 great-grandchildren; sister, Lorene Marshall along with several nieces, nephews and extended family members.
He was preceded in death by his parents; wife; daughter, Terri Konecny and siblings, Roger and Jack Sparks and Alberta Marshall.
Private family funeral will be held and burial will take place at Mountain Home Cemetery in Otsego.
A link to watch the funeral service will be available for 30 days starting on Friday, November 20, 2020 at 1pm here: https://webcasts.lifetributes.com/1102434
Contributions in memory of Don may be made to the American Cancer Society.
Messages of condolence may be posted at www.WinkelFuneralHome.com.
Sherry and Ken Schumaker.
We are so sorry to have lost Don. I have many fond memories of spending time with him. Our deepest sympathies to all of his family. We are praying for peace and comfort knowing he is reunited with Sandy and Terri. May God be with all of you as you process this loss.
mike cronen
brian and kim. so sorry for your loss my prayers are with you and you family
Fred and Sue Bosma
We send our heartfelt love and sympathy to the whole family. We will miss seeing Don walk in our neighborhood and the nice chats as we would cross paths this past summer. Don was always positive and never felt sorry for himself as he’d tell us about some of his health challenges. What a sweet soul.
Janelle Turner Oberhill
I’m so sorry to hear this news. My prayers for his entire family.
Steve Fitzpatrick and family
Sorry to hear about Don. He was a great guy. Sorry we can not be there for the family. We will keep you all in our prayers. Hope to see you all in better times.
Bryon and Kandy Campbell
Don, Diane and Sparks Family,
We are sadden to see that your Dad has passed away. I know he loved his kids and grandkids. He was a prominent figure at nearly all OHS sporting events . Prayers to you and your family as you celebrate his life.
Bryon and Kandy Campbell
Kelly and Joe Bohl
Brian, Kim and Lori — so very sorry for your loss. Thinking of all of you at this time. Sending comfort and peace.
Dennis and Darlene
Sending prayers for comfort for the entire family during this time of grief.
Jeff and Babette Burleigh
Our thoughts and prayers go out to the entire Sparks family on your loss. May you take comfort in the life Don Sr. lived and the positive impact he had on the community.
Bill and Sally
Kevin and Kathy (Jackie and Faith):
So sorry for your family’s loss. Kevin – may you take comfort in knowing that your Dad is reunited with your Mom and Terri. You’re in our thoughts and prayers.
Bill Standish
Don leaves a big footprint in the hearts of everyone who knew him. Rest in peace good friend.
Jo golden
Brian Kim and family I am so sorry for your loss my heart is with you all May God hold you and his arms
Debra Meade
We are so sorry for your loss. Our prayers are with your family at this very sad time
Bob Miles
Sparks family sorry to hear of your loss. Always enjoyed talking with Don.
Jan Jameson
Don was Good People. I am honored to have known him. My condolences to the family. Love and prayers to you all
Eric Hamman
Sparks family so sorry for your loss our thoughts and prayers are with you
David and Christina Cavazos
Brian we are so sorry for your loss. Prayers for peace foe you and the family at this time.
The Cavazos family
Chris Petro
Love and Prayers for peace on all of you…It’s so hard losing those we love and hold dear to our hearts … cherish the memories and look forward to reuniting in heaven someday!
Stan and Mary Town
My condolences to all the family. He was a great person who loved to watch his kids and ours play sports at Otsego.
Bryon an Kim Sheldon
So very sorry to hear of Dons passing. He was a great mentor. I have lots of memories of him at wrestling meets, football games Cheering on everyone. He raised a great family and will be missed.
Howrigon
Dear Sparks Family,
So sorry to hear about your Dad. Don always had a smile and kind words. Your Mom and Dad and you kids have a special place in our hearts. Please know that you are in our thoughts and prayers.
Love Dave, Karen and Matt
Chris DuCharme
To the entire Sparks family-so very, very sorry for your loss. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
John and Mary Leland
We were sorry to see Don pass.
We have known Don for years from football with his sons Greg and Don and sports with Brian. We saw him later working at school and recently on his walks in the neighborhood, we talked to him almost every day. He was a good man who loved his family. We will miss him.